EXTRA FUNDING FOR QUEENSLAND HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES

More frail, older people and younger people with a disability in Longman will be able to remain in their own homes and communities as a result of a $16.7 million funding boost Home and Community Care (HACC) services in Queensland.

Federal Minister for Mental Health and ageing Mark Butler and Senator for Queensland Mark Furner today announced Longman has received $246,052 in funding for Capacity building – services utilising vehicles to support transition to vehicle depreciation/replacement model.

“The Gillard Labor Government is providing more funding, for more services, to more Australians than ever before,” Mr Butler said.

“The increased funding will deliver more domestic help and personal care services, social support, nursing care and allied health care such as physiotherapy and podiatry to more than 170,000 Queenslanders.”

Senator Mark Furner

Senator Furner welcomed the announcement.

“Most people want to live in their own home, but some frail older people and people with a disability can find this difficult without support,” Senator Furner said

“The boost in HACC funding will increase the quality and number of services provided to people who need everyday assistance to live as independently as possible in their own homes.”

The HACC program was established by the Hawke Labor Government in 1985 and has grown from over $150 million in 1985 to a $2 billion program in 2010-11, supporting over 800,000 Australians to remain in their homes where they would prefer to be.

For more information about Home and Community Care in your area, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/hacc/ or phone the National Aged Care information line on 1800 200 422, the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 or speak to your doctor.